Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Hello April

How in the world is it tomorrow April?! Wasn't it just January? When did I blink?


This month I'm saying hello to...

1. Making the most of my time at home


I'm planning to bring home as little work as possible each night. This way I can make the most of my time with my parents as possible. My dad's health isn't the greatest. So I want to cherish our time together.

2. So many celebrations


There is Easter, of course. But I also will be celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, a wedding, and so much more. 

3. Writing my first real IEP(s)


I've written fictitious ones in college. I've assisted others in writing them during my long-term sub position 6 years ago. But now... Now it's just me. And since all but maybe 3 of mine are this month, it looks like by the end, I'll be a pro :)

And last, but most certainly not least...

4. Easter


This is such an awesome reason to celebrate. Our Savior didn't stay dead. No. He rose from the dead on the 3rd day. And it's because of that, I can live with the hope of a future in Heaven with Him one day. What a blessing that God loved us so very much that He sent His one and only Son to die for us!

Monday, March 30, 2015

ABCs

I haven't done an ABC post in a while, so I figured today would be a good day to add a little randomness to the blog...


I...

...am amazed by the peace that comes from God. I just can't fathom how someone can live without it. 

...bought Subway for dinner last night for my mom and me. The smart thinking side of me thought ahead and bought a footlong sandwich so I'd have enough for supper last night and lunch today. Score 1 for me not having to wake up earlier today to pack a lunch :)

...call my mom so much! I'm so glad it's free for us to call each other because if it wasn't, I'd be broke for sure!

...am saddened by my dad's decline in health. It makes me sad to see him sick and hurting. Anyone reading this want to send an extra prayer up? Please feel free.

...enjoyed having a break from school. Even if it didn't go according to plan, it was still nice to not have to go into work each day :)

...am looking forward to this weekend. We have an Easter event at church on Saturday and my sister-in-law and nieces are going to come with me. Then Sunday is Easter, itself. I can't wait!

...am grateful that I had this past week off. 

...hate standardized tests. I personally believe that it is stupid to give these types of test when we spend the rest of the year individualizing our curriculum. It just doesn't make sense

...am intrigued by Autism. There's so much we don't even know about it. That's how huge this disability/disorder is. 

...juggle quite a bit. And while it's not always super easy, I do feel I've gotten a better grasp on it here lately.

...know that this month is going to be exceptionally busy with IEP prepping, writing, meeting, etc. But it's so worth it. Since this month is so jam-packed, my May won't be so bad. So it's worth it :)

...love working with the kids I have. It's such a rewarding job!

...wrote a blog post on memories I have of time spent with my dad. What a sweet time of reflection :)

...needed to read the verse below. I love how God directs my reading so that I see exactly what I need at the time I need it!


...offered to run an errand for my mom after work today. I'm so nice :)

...completely redid my Pinterest account yesterday. And in the process, I was reminded just how much of a time-sucker Pinterest is :)

...quickly finished the last of my paperwork before school started this morning. Just in thine for a new big batch to start tomorrow. Ah, such is my life...

...had a very realistic dream about a certain topic two nights this past week. Not that I'm reading too much into it. But wow...

...have spent more time with my parents this week than I have in a while. And it has been so very worth it!

...totally sing the Alphabet song to myself when I'm looking for a letter. Yes, I can tell you where a letter is without it, but my brain totally wants to still sing the song :)

...will start tUtoring some kids after school next week to help them get ready for standardized tests. 

...think venison is delicious!

...watch very little t.v. these days. There's just so little on these days that's good/clean. It's sad...

...an eXcited that there's only 8 more weeks (and 2 days) 'til I leave for my 2 week trip to Senegal :)

...took the cutest picture of my youngest niece the other day. Isn't she precious? :)


...fixed the zipper on a student's jacket today, but not without quite a bit of work. Man, it was stuck!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

The Value of a Moment

*Source*
Dr. Seuss was a wise man. I saw the quote above a while back and it made me think of all the moments/memories I've had/made with my sweet Daddy.

I remember...

...playing dress up. He was always such a good sport and would humor this (then) little girl as she put all sorts of girly hair clips in his hair and play make up on his face as part of playing "beauty shop."

...riding in the u-haul to whereever we were moving to next. My brother and I would take turns riding with my mom in the car and my dad in the u-haul. It was soooo cool to ride in the "big huge" u-haul truck with my dad.

...fixing up our playhouse in the back yard. We thought we had the coolest playhouse/treehouse in the world. We loved it!

...playing in his office at church. He'd be working (or at least trying to) and we'd get to hang out with him and play.

...all those trips to camp. My dad LOVED taking kids to camp. He'd work his butt off all day, but would still have the time to play pranks on people and make everybody laugh!

...him praying with me. He knew just what to say and he'd always follow it up with a prayer. I learned about the power of prayer from my dad. It wasn't something that had to be taught through words/lessons. It was taught through his actions.

...riding the bus to football games. I was in the Colorguard my last 3 years of high school and my dad drove the band bus.

...him in the stands at every single game. Even when he had a major dental procedure done and was in extreme pain, he still came to the game. It always meant the world that he'd show up each time.

...meeting for supper while at Montevallo. There were quite a few times that we'd have classes on the same night, so it was a treat to meet for dinner and have that time together.

...all of the airport drop-offs and pick-ups. While in Senegal, I got all too familiar with the teary goodbyes and joyful hellos that occurred at so many airports.

...those "I'm proud of you"s. As sad as it was to say goodbye, my dad never forgot to say I'm proud of you for following the call of God.

...when he found out he was going to be a Pawpaw. Anyone that knows my dad knows he was made to be a grandfather. I remember as clear as a day the night we went to my brother and sister-in-law's house to meet up for dinner and them sharing the exciting news. I've never seen my dad so over the top excited in his life!

...the trip to Joe's Crab Shack. My dad loves seafood and has always wanted to visit this restaurant. So last September, we finally made it there. Even though his appetite had started dwindling at that point, I'll never forget the pure joy on his face while sitting there.

...him preaching while sick. My dad is a preacher. He is passionate about sharing the Word of God with anyone who'll listen. There were times when he'd preach from his hospital room or even the hospital bed in his home. I even remember one time when he was at church preaching and got extremely light headed. He'd preach for a few minutes, almost pass out, compose himself, and preach some more. It was an inspiration to see for sure!

...playing Family Feud in the hospital room. My dad loves him some Steve Harvey on Family Feud. He will laugh and laugh while it's on. Well, one night when he's half out of it, he asks me to find some Family Feud questions online so we can play. So he, my mom, and I "played" for close to an hour. He was so weak at the time but he laughed and laughed. It was so fun to see him perk up for that time.

There are a million or more memories I could share, but these are the ones that jumped out at me right away.

My dad's health is like a roller coaster. One day he's at the top, doing great. And the next day, he's at the bottom and we're worried that it's the end. Today's somewhere in the "low-middle" range. But you know...

I'm hoping I have many many more moments with my dad that develop into cherished memories. 


Friday, March 27, 2015

Lessons

Spring Break passes by so much more quickly than the time it took to arrive in the first place.


As a Special Education teacher, paperwork is a constant.


I watch 19 Kids and Counting and while I can't say I'd want to have 19 kids, I have nothing against the Duggars for doing so. Honestly, their show is one of the few clean ones on these days. I truly believe their happiness is genuine and I think the media just has a hard time accepting that.


Realizing I'm only 4 1/2 months away from being 30 isn't as hard to accept as I once thought it'd be. It definitely beats the alternative.


"Your darkest hour only has 60 seconds." - Morris Mandel



Having regrets is pointless.


Using the "R-word" (retarded) to describe someone or something makes a person look totally and
completely ignorant.


Sometimes a person's will to fight is stronger than their physical ability to do so. It's that will that keeps them going.



It takes great skill to trip going up the stairs. ...just like it takes great skill to be nowhere near a table when you start, but somehow ending up stubbing your toe on the table's leg. Just call me skilled.

What I wish I could say...

I've gotten better about speaking my mind in my old age. There are times when I'd really love to speak my mind, but as I've matured, I've realized it's not the best idea. 


But if God would have allowed me at certain times in my life, I would have definitely spoken my mind to certain people. 

People like...

...the lady who felt the need to say, "You know, you're not getting any younger. Don't you even want to get married?"


...the Red Cross nurse who said, "Ma'am, you clearly don't know much about geography because Ebola only happens in Africa. It'd be impossible for Ebola to happen in the U.S."


...the nurses at the long term rehab facility who told my mom, "Your husband's vitals are all normal. There's nothing wrong with him" a few hours before the ER doctor told her he had a highly contagious and serious infection and was incredibly sick and wouldn't have made it much longer if she'd waited to bring him in.


...the person who upon hearing I was going to Africa asked my dad, "Why doesn't she stay here? There are enough black people here in Alabama."


...the individual who after hearing me express how tired I was on a Friday afternoon who said, "I don't see why teachers complain. Y'all have it easy. You only work 7:30 to 3:30 and have all kinds of holidays off."


...the Post Office employee who said, "You can't mail jelly beans to Senegal. Customs has rules about that sort of thing. But if you want to risk it, then fine. We'll mail it."


...the people who say, "Teachers at Dakar Academy, and schools like it (who serve families of missionaries, embassy officials, and other businessmen/women) aren't REAL missionaries."


...the people who ask, "Do you speak African?" ...unless they're children and truly don't know any better. In that case, I'm fine with it :)


...the Africans who feel they're  complimenting me by saying, "Oh you're so big and healthy." And yes, this is a cultural thing and I totally learned to accept it. But it still stung a little. 



...the people who find out my younger brother is married and has two kids, and ask me, "What are you waiting for? You better hurry up."


...the customs agent who took my hand sanitizer, even though it was within the designated guidelines of size requirements and said, "Madam, this has alcohol in it. Alcohol is forbidden on flights."


...the orthopedic surgeon, who on my 18th birthday said, "You have wide hips. That's good if you plan to have children. Delivery should be no trouble for you.


...the lady who exclaimed to my cousin, upon hearing I was a missionary in Africa, "Wait. There are white people living in Africa???"


...the telemarketer that called our house at 9 p.m. one night and couldn't understand why we'd be upset about the timing of her call.


...the people who write those emails saying, "You've won $1,000,000. Just give me your bank account number and social security number and I'll wire the money to you ASAP."

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

'Sup Wednesday




Today, I'm linking up with Mel from The Larson Lingo and her series What's Up Wednesday (...well, a shortened version) :)

Happy Hump Day to you! 



WHAT are you wearing today?

I love wearing skirts. ...especially cute colors like the one I'm wearing today. I snagged it at the thrift store last week for $5 and the best part... It still had the original store's tags on it :)

Anywho... I paired it with a black t-shirt, denim jacket, and black flats.


WHAT are you eating?

Today was exceptionally busy and exhausting, so I was thankful for McDonalds making my supper for me tonight :)


WHAT are you reading?

Right now all I have time to read is the mounds of paperwork and test results on my desk at work. But this is the first book on my Spring Break reading list :)


WHAT are you reminiscing about?

Dakar Academy, the school I taught at while in Senegal, is looking for teachers. So I shared this on Facebook this morning to try and get the word out to more people.

And it made me reminisce about my time at DA, and in Senegal. I love being in Alabama. I love my job. But boy do I miss Dakar...


WHAT are you looking forward to?

Spring Break! We only have 2 more school days and then FREEDOM!! :)



WHAT are you loving?

As much as I love Senegal and miss it, I so love being so close to my family again. ...especially my nieces. I so love those girls :)



WHAT have you been up to?

Work is going well. But oh my word am I busy right now. And I must admit... The past two days this meme has held true for me :)



WHAT are you excited about?

I leave for Senegal exactly 11 weeks from today! I'll be spending right at 2 weeks there and I can't wait!



WHAT are you annoyed by?

I don't understand how my dad can still be in so much pain and still be feeling the way he is and be told he'll probably be heading home soon. What?!



WHAT else is new?

Not a lot :)

So, what's up with you?

Monday, March 16, 2015

Lessons from the Week

Procrastination may seem like a good idea at the time, but waiting 'til the last minute to get a project done is so not worth it.

Hearing gun shots being fired across the street immediately followed by a voice over the school intercom saying the code for a lockdown will definitely get your heart racing.

When typing an important document click save every couple seconds. You'd think I would've learned that while living in a country with unstable electricity, but noooo...

Want trust? Earn it. 

You don't go in the hospital for rest and relaxation. 

Plans are great. But rarely does life go according to plan. Expect that. Be flexible.

Teachers are just as excited about Spring Break as, if not more than, their students.

The smell of garlic lasts far longer than the taste.

A cute video of one's 10 1/2 month old niece is the perfect pick-me-up :)

A child with a disability which causes attention problems absolutely positively CANNOT sit still for extended lengths of time. Therefore, it is unreasonable for a teacher to require that.

Writing a note on your palm is okay. Just make sure the ink's dry before propping up your head.

You can't not smile when hula hooping :) 

The day before Spring Break dismissal bell will signal happiness in both a school's students and its faculty alike. 

And one lesson I've been realizing more and more...


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Lessons

Participating in a march across the Edmund Pettis Bridge, as a white woman, holding the hand of a black child, will cause you to think about how different life was 50 years prior.

Racism between whites and blacks is still alive today. Whites mistreat blacks. Blacks mistreat whites. Why can't we all just get along?

If your job includes a ridiculous amount of paperwork, good organizational skills is a must have.

Writing out a To Do List for tomorrow is smart. Just remember to look at the list tomorrow.

Teachers are just as excited, if not more, about Spring Break than their students.

Mud puddles = magnets, attracting children from far and wide.

The majority of Americans have no clue how big West Africa is. 

Flexibility is one of the most needed attributes of a teacher. ...that, and the ability to keep a smile on your face all the while.

It's heartbreaking to see a child constantly misbehaving, and to know that the reason for him doing so is simply that he wants attention because he is so truly starved for any type of attention at home.

Spending the night with a loved one in the hospital will really put things in perspective.

In most cases... Quality time > Money spent.

A 2 1/2 year old saying "I love you" is one of the sweetest things ever.

LOL is overused quite often at inappropriate times.

A doctor with smarts AND a great bedside manner is an awesome combination.

At 29 1/2, hearing the phrase, "I guess you're planning to just never get married" is sooooo not cool!

Monday, March 9, 2015

Even More Lessons

The sight of a child being loaded into an ambulance will break your heart. 

Kids can come up with the most hilariously ridiculous excuses at times. And they totally think their teacher will fall for them. Ha! Think again kid. That teacher was in your shoes back in the day :)

Being on an all-day field trip with a few hundred screaming children is definitely fun. But it will make you grateful for the peace and quiet when you get home.

If you bring an umbrella, you won't need it. If you forget your umbrella, you will. 

Homesickness can strike at any time and can be brought on by a sight, a smell, a sound, a memory...anything.

Eating right before an important meeting is probably not the best idea. It's like you're just begging food to drop on your clothes.

The sound of a child reading a book for the first time all by themselves is music to a teachers ears.

You know someone well when the two of you can communicate simply with movements of your eyebrows :)

If the only time you come to a city is when the news cameras do, it makes you look like you don't really care. *And I'm not talking about Obama. ...just all the random people that showed up this week.

If you, as a reporter, try to interview my students as a "sympathy piece" and you clearly don't care about what they have to say, I will refuse you the opportunity. *FYI - This didn't happen to me, but I watched it happened to another teacher and her students near me.

Walking across The Edmund Pettis Bridge and looking at the sweet kids entrusted in your care will make you think  about a march that happened on that same bridge 50 years prior.

Losing an hour of sleep due to the time changing stinks. But driving home in the daylight will definitely make up for it.

Watching a parent who's sick and in pain  is gut-wrenching.

You have to give respect to get respect. 

Monday, March 2, 2015

More Lessons

A nonverbal child can communicate in many ways. You need to just take the time to "listen."

Two of the most important people to get to know as a teacher are your school's secretary and custodian. They are quite often your lifeline.

Memorizing a verse from the Bible is easy. Memorizing a chapter is difficult. Memorizing an entire book is intense. But you know... It is oh so worth it.

Teaching a class of adults is often just like teaching a class of children.

Hearing from a long lost friend can instantly lift your spirits. 

A craving for Chik-fil-a will usually hit on a Sunday OR when you're living in a country without its chicken-y goodness. 

Quite often the people who have experienced the most pain can provide the most inspiration.

A curtain falling on your head in the middle of the night, waking you from a deep sleep, will surely cause a racing heartbeat. 

Eating only non-acidic foods is more difficult than you'd think.

Watching a YouTube video on how to wrap a dress from a certain country in the northwestern region of Africa will totally make you (well...me) homesick.

You can't help but smile when you see someone dressed in Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes, complete with neon blue wigs.

If you don't finish your milk in enough time, it will go sour. Trust me. You so don't want to drink that.

Peppermint essential oil smells great. But don't overdo it. Too much of a good thing can definitely be a bad thing.

Looking through old family albums will produce nostalgia. Gratefulness for the blessings you've been given will follow shortly thereafter. 

A bouquet of pink tulips will brighten up a room.